AirBorneo says operations improving as affected aircraft return to service

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — AirBorneo is beginning to see gradual improvements in its operations as affected aircraft return to service, while efforts continue to restore operational stability following a series of flight disruptions across Sarawak and Sabah.

Its chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, said the airline is making steady progress and remains focused on improving reliability as quickly as possible.

“We are already seeing gradual improvements as aircraft return to service and are making steady progress, while remaining focused on restoring operational stability as quickly as possible.

“We will continue to monitor performance closely, keep passengers informed and provide updates as the situation improves,” he told Bernama today. 

The Sarawak-owned airline has recently come under scrutiny following flight delays and cancellations affecting several routes in East Malaysia, prompting public apologies from the carrier and concerns among passengers who rely on its services, particularly those in rural and remote communities.

Addressing questions on accountability, Megat Ardian Wira said AirBorneo takes full responsibility for the service it provides despite the involvement of multiple parties within the aviation ecosystem.

“AirBorneo takes full responsibility for the service we provide. When a flight is delayed or cancelled, our passengers expect answers from us.

“As the sole Rural Air Services operator connecting many communities across Sarawak and Sabah, we understand the importance of maintaining reliable connectivity,” he said.

While airline operations involve maintenance providers, parts suppliers and aircraft manufacturers, Megat Ardian Wira noted that passengers ultimately identify the airline as the service provider.

“Passengers do not see those distinctions. They see AirBorneo. That is why we are focused on resolving the issues, working closely with our partners and restoring reliability as quickly as possible,” he noted.

On the causes of the recent disruptions, Megat Ardian Wira said aircraft availability has been the primary challenge, with several aircraft undergoing maintenance and technical rectification simultaneously.

He said the situation was driven by a combination of factors, including repair requirements, spare parts availability and broader supply chain constraints affecting the global aviation industry.

“We have intensified efforts with our maintenance and engineering partners to return aircraft to service safely and quickly. This includes accelerating repair work, securing critical spare parts and reviewing aircraft availability daily.

“Our priority is clear on restoring capacity, improve reliability and minimise disruption to passengers,” he said.

In response to the challenges, AirBorneo is reviewing its maintenance support arrangements, spare parts provisioning strategy and service level expectations with partners to strengthen operational resilience.

Megat Ardian Wira said the airline is also exploring additional support options and alternative sourcing arrangements to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of similar disruptions recurring in the future.

Yesterday, AirBorneo said it was actively reviewing its maintenance and parts supply arrangements, including seeking additional and alternative partners, to secure faster and more reliable access to critical components required for its operations.

The airline also reiterated that safety remains its paramount priority and that any aircraft requiring technical attention would only return to service after meeting all operational and engineering requirements.

Meanwhile, Megat Ardian Wira said the airline’s planned introduction of jet operations remains on track and is being managed independently from its existing turboprop operations.

He said the jet programme has its own operational, technical, regulatory and readiness requirements, supported by dedicated teams separate from those handling the current turboprop fleet.

“Safety remains our top priority and we will not compromise on that.

“We will only commence jet operations when we are fully satisfied that all regulatory approvals, operational requirements and safety standards have been met,” he said.

Megat Ardian Wira said the airline remains committed to ensuring a safe, orderly and successful introduction of the new service while continuing to improve the reliability of its existing operations.

AirBorneo currently serves 21 destinations, with primary operational bases in Kota Kinabalu and Miri. Its fleet comprises eight ATR 72-500 aircraft and six DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft. — Bernama